I use a HRM to get a more accurate measurement of the calories I've burned, and my workout most days is CrossFit. I exceed my target HR in every single workout, with no adverse effects. It's only that high for a minute or less, I'm sure. My resting BP and HR are both a little on the low side, but I don't get too worried. "normal" is pretty subjective. I feel good, and that's what is important to me.

I have been exercising regularly since January, but more recently have incorporated mountain biking into my routine. I am 54 and my target heart rate should be between 137 and 145. I spent 75 minutes on the mountain today and my average heart rate was 157 with a high of 184. I really enjoy mountain biking with my family but am concerned about the shortness of breath that I am experiencing with these rates. Normal non mountain biking I stay in my target zones. Can my inexperience drive the heart rates and is it safe to continue? By the way for safety I always wear a HRM because I am at least 50 lbs overweight.

Thanks ARCHIMEDESII,That is helpful and reassuring. I certainly feel great when I put in a good hard workout. I'd hate to think it's bad for me.And yes, I do alternate workouts so I vary the cardio intensity and strength training intensity. I also do yoga and pilates about 2-3 days per week (flexibility & balance). I've developed a routine with various workouts that makes me feel my best (not too sore, but still pushing my boundaries on cardio and strength.... just not every day).Again, thanks so much for your quick response!Marg.

"Everyone must believe in something. I believe I will go canoeing." Henry David Thoreau.

If you don't feel any physical distress when your heart rate is in those higher ranges and you don't have a history of cardiovascular problems, there is no reason you can't push your HR every now and then.

You might not want to work at 85% of max every single day. While we do want to be a little breathless for a portion of our workout, we shouldn't be constantly gasping for air. that's not good. Occasionally challenging your heart rate is fine as long as you don't feel any sort of distress.

Also, even though the formulas say that your upper heart rate should be around 166 bpm for 80-85% of max, if you have a healthy heart, that range is probably higher. People who have exercised regularly develop very efficient hearts. Those formulas are an average. so, your ranges would be better.

If you recently bought your HRM, what I recommend you do is take readings over several workouts. So, every time you do Insanity, make a note of a few things.

1) how were you feeling ? Were you a bit fatigued before you started ? were you energized ? were you the same as you were the day before ?

4) How did you sleep the night before ? Did you get a good night's rest or not ?

5) What did you eat ? Did you eat a little something or not ?

There are many more factors that can effect our workouts. If you can track more data, you'll get a better idea of where your heart rate needs to be when it's working out aerobically or anaerobically.

Because our workouts are never the same. There is always something that effects it one way or another. You've probably noticed some days you feel great and other days, miserable. it happens. That's why we need to track data over several weeks. then take an average of the readings.

Hi,I've been working out for about 2 years now (cardio/strength circuit training). I just bought my first heart rate monitor.I also calculated my target heart rate for the first time using: http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/calculator_target.aspFor me - 50 yr old female with resting rate of 60 bpm - my higher end at 85% is stated as 154 bpm. Some of my regular work-outs (Insanity and others) push my heart rate up to 166 bpm or so. I feel fine doing it (tired & sweaty, but fine).I wonder if am I doing good or harm working out at an intensity that pushes my heart rate above the target zone?Any thoughts and/or advice are appreciated.Thanks.Marg.

Edited by: MARGSB at: 6/21/2014 (13:49)

"Everyone must believe in something. I believe I will go canoeing." Henry David Thoreau.

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